What's New?

EWM Maps:
As expected, weed growth, and particularly EWM growth, has been high due to the lack of snow cover, relatively early ice out and somewhat lower water levels. Click on these links to view the 2014 and 2015 diving results maps. Fortunately our 20 plus year track record is clear evidence that with aggressive treatment we can knock EWM back again. Aggressive treatment requires aggressive giving. Please respond accordingly to the recent BLIA Environmental Fund appeal letter.

Artificial Loon Nesting Platforms:
Although Bay Lake has a healthy loon population, the number of chicks that are produced here is below average. One way to potentially increase the amount of loon nesting habitat is to construct an artificial loon nesting platform. If this interests you click on the following links to learn more.Loon Platforms 1Loon Platforms 2Loon Platforms 3Loon Platforms 4

Independence Day Beach Party:Click here to see the picture. Click here to view more pictures and a video on the Bay Lake Facebook page.

First 2015 Loon Report:Click here to read the report of Jon Wefald's early summer loon counts.

BLIA Membership:
The Bay Lake Improvement Association works on your behalf. Everyone who values Bay Lake should be a member. Kids and grand kids should have their own memberships. It's good for BLIA and it's also good for them. Click here to join on-line or click here to download the updated BLIA Membership Card which will print envelope size and can be mailed to the address on the card. Thanks!

What All BayLakers Should Know

More Helpful Swimmer's Itch Information:Click here for a copy of a U of M Extension Pamphlet.

Deer Ticks:Click here for an informative but concise article that BayLakers should have on hand.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):Click here to learn the top 10 things you can do to protect Bay Lake from AIS. EWM is an expensive nuisance but it can be managed. Not true for Zebra Mussels and other AIS. Prevention is the ONLY strategy.

Loons - Our Most Welcome Guests:
To learn about our loon population and see some terrific pictures, click here and click here for the lastest reports.

Urgent Message From BLIA Fishing Resources Committee:
The DNR may cease walleye stocking if our northern population isn't brought under control. Please click here to read about this issue and learnwhat we need to do. To learn more click here to read a Star Tribune article titled "The Great Northern Pike Debate" and click here to read the DNR Lake Management Plan for Bay Lake.

Previous Items - What You May Have Missed In 2015

DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Training & Trailer Decal Program Is Repealed:Click here to learn what will replace it.

BLIA Fireworks - July 2nd:Click here to learn why they are on the 2nd.

Bay Lakers On The Water:
It's pretty early for 2015 entries so here is are some slightly historical Bay Lakers On The Water pictures to kick off the new season. Send your water sport pictures to ericksonpaulsue@aol.com for posting in our Bay Lakers On The Water Section. Click here to see Volume 5.

Boat Safety Class:****Coming up soon!****
A Youth Operator Class will be held on Monday, June 22nd. A maximum of 25 youths (ages 12-17) can participate. This is great training. Click here for the details.

Educational Information - Wildlife:Click here to see what dug a hole in our driveway.

Your Input Is Needed:
Participation in the annual BLIA Children's Party/Minnow Camp has drastically declined (both participants and volunteers). Change (i.e. rebuild, eliminate or ???) is required. What do you think? Has this 40 plus year tradition run the course? If not, what is required? Click here to see last year's promo. Email comments to ericksonpaulsue@aol.com.

Skyrockets Blast Over Bay Lake:The 1st Annual New Year's Eve Fireworks Event Was Awesome.Hats off to the organizers and sponsors!!! Click here to see pictures. Click here for the video. Put it on your calendar for December 31, 2015.

***POSTPONED*** Click here to learn more.***Aquatic Invasive Species Training & New Trailer Decals Mandatory in 2015:
If you trailer a boat or water-related equipment like docks or lifts, you must take AIS training and get a trailer decal. This new law applies to everyone and every trailer. The law takes effect July 1, 2015, but you can get it out of the way before summer. Click here to learn what must be done.

Bay Lake is ours to love.....and protect. BLIA is the only organization with a mission to protect and enhance our lake and our community. Our success depends on you. Please join, contribute & volunteer.

BayLakers On The Water

Wanted: Water Sports Pictures:
Please email your favorite water sports pictures to ericksonpaulsue@aol.com. They can be oldies or current and they can be any water sport. They can be graceful or clumsy or daring or funny or just memorable. Give the approximate year and (optional) the names.

First 2015 Young Angler:Click here to see what Christian pulled through the ice.

Zebra Mussels

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):Click here to learn the top 10 things you can do to protect Bay Lake from AIS. EWM is an expensive nuisance but it can be managed. Not true for Zebra Mussels and other AIS. Prevention is the ONLY strategy.

Invasive Threats:
At the BLIA 2012 Annual Meeting guest speaker Joe Shneider, President of the Christmas Lake Association, reported that (1) the threat of invasive species is just beginning, (2) the DNR can't protect our lakes and (3) it's up to us to protect Bay Lake. IF YOU LOVE BAY LAKE YOU SHOULD WATCH HIS PRESENTATION.Click here to view the first segment. Click here to view the second segment. Click here for the Q & A session. Yes, this takes commitment, but it's the future of OUR LAKE that is in jeopardy.

GET INVOLVED......Or Buy Swimming Shoes:Click here to see the Zebra Mussel pictures from Mille Lacs.

ILIDS Video Link:
Nothing compares to on-site inspection by Access Monitoring Volunteers, but BLIA compliments that effort by employing high tech surveillance. To see a brief sample of ILIDS video click here.

Zebra Mussels:
Prevention is the ONLY strategy and it's dependent on insuring that all boats are launched from the DNR Public Access. To read more, click here.

Eurasian Water Milfoil

"EWM: Our Exotic Invader"---Part One:
The most often asked questions about EWM and Bay Lake will be addressed on BayLake.org. To read the answer to the first question "Have we lost the battle?", click here.

"EWM: Our Exotic Invader"---Part Two:
The second question in our Q & A series is: "EWM vs. Northern Milfoil: What's the difference? They look alike, I hate them both and it's getting worse!" To read the answer, click here.

"EWM: Our Exotic Invader"---Part Three:
The third installment in our Q & A series asks the following questions: -How Do We Identify and Track Infestation Sites?-How Do We Determine Which Sites To Treat?-Fall Versus Spring Treatment: Why Do I Have To Look At The Stuff All Summer?
To read the answers, click here.

"EWM: Our Exotic Invader"---Part Four:
The fourth installment in our Q & A series asks the following questions:-"Mechanical Harvesting vs. Chemical Treatment: Why Don't We Just Cut The Darn Stuff"-"If Treatment Is So Good, Why Not Treat The Whole Lake?
To read the answers, click here.

"EWM: Our Exotic Invader"---Part Five:
The fifth installment in our Q & A series asks the following questions:-"What Can I Do With EWM Around My Dock?"-"What Herbicide Do We Use?"-"Why Don't We Use the Herbicide "Sonar" (Like Michigan)?"
-"Should We Drastically Expand Treatment?"
To read the answers, click here.

Environmental

BayLakers To Get Lake Stewardship Award:
Congratulations (and THANKS!) go to Peter Berg & Peggy Blistain. Click here to see what they did (and learn about the free appetizers at the award ceremony).

Buffer 101:
We ALL know that natural and buffered shorelines protect our lake and enhance our property, but "it looks complicated" and "maybe next year" keep us from doing anything. Folks, it's time to take the first step.Click here to see how.

Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District Grants:Click here to learn about Shoreline Restoration Grants. There is a waiting list and the deadline may have passed for this season but it appears the SWCD will reimburse 50% of your cost so it's worth investigating even if it's for next summer. Shoreline protection is a long term effort.

Annual Tree & Plant Giveaway:
For decades, BLIA has been helping members enhance their property and protect Bay Lake by giving away seedlings and shoreline plants. Click here to read about this beneficial program.

Bay Lake Water Quality Reports: Crow Wing County maintains water quality reports for Bay Lake. For your convenience, we've created links to related sections of the Crow Wing County website. To see "Crow Wing County Water Quality Factsheet - Bay Lake" (a summary page), click here. To see the entire report for Bay Lake, click here.

History

Bay Lake History 101 Presentation:
Can you imagine Frenchmen paddling past the location of your cabin over 300 years ago? Learning a little of the history of Bay Lake is fun. To view the presentation, click here.

Bay Lake History: Railroads & Mining:
The first of our mini-presentations is now ready. I guarantee this exciting story will capture your attention (and it only takes 10 minutes!). To open the presentation in pdf format, click here. If you want more detail, click here to open the related timeline.

Bay Lake Maps:
Our Points of Reference Map was updated last summer. Click here to see a copy. Recently a copy of a map from 1912 was received. Click here to see the old names. Also you can click here for a map of Bay Lake Township.

History Project Status:
It's been almost 8 years, and nearly all shorelines participated. Click here to see whether your shoreline needs leadership. (Note: It's NOT TOO LATE!!!)

Historical Pictures:
To get in the mood click here to see historical pictures. Then watch the Bay Lake History 101 and Railroads & Mining presentations below.

Recommended Reading:
Most BayLakers regularly drive past Kathio State Park. If you want to experience what it was like to over 330 years ago click here for a book recommendation.

Cuyuna Range Historical Timeline Posters:
The Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association is offering wonderful posters for sale. To see a copy of the poster and where to buy them, click here.

From Burgers To Haircuts:Click here to see the story behind Tuck's Barber Shop.

History Project Celebration PartyClick here to see pictures of the SE Echo Bay Celebration Party.

Another Shoreline Celebrates Success:Click here to see pictures from the Bay Lake Shores History Project Celebration Party and learn what shoreline projects are left.

Historic Picnic:Click here to see turn of the century BayLakers enjoying themselves.

Historical "Lost & Found":
Who lost an 18 HP motor in 1962 and hired a diver named Doug Erickson to find it? Click here to see the records.

More Great Historical Pictures:Click here to see more pictures from Dan Cook.

Stone House Open House & Bay Lake History Day:
On August 4th the "Stone House" was 100 years old. The celebration was a fitting event. Click here to see pictures and read about the history of this landmark.

Oh My!
You need to see where the water level was in the first half of the 1900's. There are many historical stories of emotional debates (and middle of the night dam alterations) regarding lake levels. Click here and you will see why.

History Project Status & Party Pictures:13 shorelines done, 4 completing this summer. Nearly 100% participation. Ending in 2012. Click here to read more and click here to see updated History Project pages.
To see pictures from the Echo Bay SW/Gray's Shore Celebration Party, click here. To see pictures of the Cottage Hill/Indian Point Kick-Off and the Woodland Beach East, Sand Beach Park & Greg Road Celebration Party, click here. To see pictures of the Indian Point /Cottage Hill Celebration Party, click here.

The Historical Picture Contest Is Back!Click here to see last week's winners. Click here to see the latest picture. As before, there are no prizes, but the "winners" will be announced.

Historical Picture Contest:It took two weeks to identify this point, but we have 3 "winners". Click here to see the most recent winner and a new picture. In order to minimize download time I started a new Previous Pictures and Winners page. Click here to see Previous Pictures and Winners - Volume Two. Click here to see Previous Pictures and Winners - Volume One.

Postings from Past Years

2014

A Great Fish to Kick Off the 2014 Young Angler Section:Click here to see Ashleigh's 10.5" Sunfish (and a really proud grandfather).

Four Independence Day Weekend Young Anglers:Click here to see 8 year old Tori's bass.Click here to see Tucker's catch off the dock.Click here to see Henry's Isle of Pines lunker.Click here to see Megan's monster.
(YTD Score: Gals 4, Guys 2)

New Year's Eve Fireworks:
A new Bay Lake tradition is born. First Annual Bay Lake New Year's Eve Fireworks. Click here for details.

Urgent Message From BLIA Fishing Resources Committee:The DNR may cease walleye stocking if our northern population isn't brought under control. Please click here to read about this issue and learnwhat we need to do.

Two Great Pictures:
Bob Schwartzbauer captured scenes from the beginning and ending of summer 2014. Click here to view his pictures.

Zebra Mussel Inspection Time:
Likely 1000+ docks and lifts will soon be taken out of the lake. It's an opportunity to determine what Aquatic Invasive Species have invaded our lake. Please click here and read this helpful letter from Jeff Forester, Executive Director of Minnesota Lakes & Rivers. BLIA and many of our residents are members of MLR.

Fourth Annual Bay Lake Food Drive:
When you clean out your cupboards for the winter over Oktoberfest Weekend please consider helping to our Crow Wing County neighbors. Click here to see what is needed and where/when to drop off it off.

Upside Down:Click here to see how a particularly agile BayLaker celebrated the Super Moon of 2014.

A Multi-Generation Legacy:
Bay Lake is much more than just a place to ski or fish. Being here becomes a way of life......and in many cases it becomes a legacy for future generations. Click here to see a wonderful reminder.

Wanted: Water Sports Pictures:
Please email your favorite water sports pictures to ericksonpaulsue@aol.com. They can be oldies or current and they can be any water sport. They can be graceful or clumsy or daring or funny or just memorable. Give the approximate year and (optional) the names. We're just getting started but click here for a hint of what's coming.

*** ALERT, This Sunday *** Final 2014 Church Island Service & Bay Lake Gathering:
The final service for this summer and 6th Annual Send-A-Kid to Camp Auction is Sunday, August 31st. Click here to see the pictorial report from last year.

Detour:Click here to learn about the road closure between Deerwood & Crosby.

The Future Of Church Island:Click here to read an important letter from First Lutheran Church and click here to read the Conservation Easement related to Church Island. Click here if you want to buy an island.

Bay Lake Video:Click here to see a short video that you will definitely enjoy.

Zebra Mussels Found In Two More Crow Wing County Lakes:Click here to read the August 7, 2014 Press Release and click here to see the updated AIS Infestation Map.

Life On Bay Picture Gallery:Click here to see a collection of pictures.

Great Fireworks & Sandbar Party Pictures:Samantha Miller was our official photographer for these events. Click here to view her fireworks pictures and click here to view pictures from the sandbar party.

ALERT: 30th Annual Runtilla***THIS SATURDAY***Click here for the registration form for the 2014 Runtilla on Saturday, August 2nd..

ALERT: High Water + Large Wakes = Shoreline Erosion:Please minimize your wake near shorelines and particularly in the narrows. With a little thought we can preserve Bay Lake and still have fun.

Two Unique Bird Pictures:Click here to see Bob Schwartzbauer's "Newest Eagle" and Mark Holmberg's "Loon Dancing Down the Sun".

Four Independence Day Weekend Young Anglers:Click here to see 8 year old Tori's bass.Click here to see Tucker's catch off the dock.Click here to see Henry's Isle of Pines lunker.Click here to see Megan's monster.
(YTD Score: Gals 4, Guys 2)

ALERT: Bridge Fundraiser***THIS WEDNESDAY***Click here for the registration form for the Bridge & 500 Benefit on Wednesday, July 23rd.

Stories Behind Points Of Reference Map Names:
We are still gathering input for our Points Of Reference Map but Ruttger's recently named their meeting rooms after important Bay Lake landmarks and explained their significance in the Ruttger Reporter. Click here to learn the stories behind some of our landmarks. Click here to see Version 2 of our updated Points of Reference.

For Sale on Facebook:
We will post major items (boats, motors, cabins, etc) for sale on Bay Lake on the Bay Lake Facebook page. This is a trial effort but it may prove popular. Click on the Facebook icon on the right side of our home page or go to http://www.facebook.com/BayLakeMN to see the Bay Lake Facebook page.

**** Amazing Race This Saturday ****Click here for the registration form for the 2014 Amazing Race on Saturday, July 19th.

Moods of Bay Lake:Click here to see great pictures from Val Broeckert and Dan Mulheran.

***ALERT - Ipso Facto This Friday***This reggae group was a real hit at Ruttger's Beach Bar last summer but only the guests knew about it. Don't miss this return engagement. An island shirt and exotic drink opportunity! Click here for details.

The Sieve Brothers Haul In Bass:Click here to see Kellen & Brendan's monsters.

Revised Land Use Ordinance:
The revised Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance became effective on April 22, 2011. For your convenience, we've created links to related sections of the Crow Wing County website. To see the "Land Use Factsheet" (a summary page), click here. To see "Shoreland Alterations" (a summary page), click here. To see the entire Land Use Ordinance, click here. Questions may be answered by reviewing the Crow Wing County website (www.co.crow-wing.mn.us) or contacting Chris Pence, Land Services supervisor for Environmental Services at 218-824-1125 or Chris.Pence@co.crow-wing.mn.us.

Security Tip:
This short video was recommended by BayLaker Don Borgaro. Unless protected, thieves can open an automatic garage door in 6 seconds. Click here to view the video.

It's Time To Check For EWM & Zebra Mussels:Click here for a copy of David's fall mailing. Then walk your shoreline. When you take out your dock and lift check them for Zebra Mussels. If you find something worrisome, take it to Hansen's Store for verification and then contact David at 612-237-1827 or davidd953@msn.com.

Bay Lake SunsetClick here to see two great pictures taken from different locations by different BayLakers of an exceptionally dramatic Bay Lake sunset.

Bay Lake BlastClick here if you haven't already seen the September 9th Blast.

Access Monitoring Volunteer Recognition Party:Click here to see pictures of BayLakers who are working to protect our lake.

Improvements to the Public Access: Click here to see the new graphics and disposal facility.

2013 BLIA Scramble & Picnic - RECORD PARTICIPATION!!Click here to see the pictures.

Sunset Over Church Island:Click here to see Allison Bye's wonderful picture.

Minnesota Land Trust:Click here to see an invitation to the MLT Treasured Places event on September 7th.

Last 2013 Church Island Service, Ice Cream Social & Live Auction:
Hard to believe but the season is wrapping up. Click here to learn about this year's service and click here to see pictures from last year's great event.

Live Auction:
Buy something really nice and send a kid to camp at the same time. The End of Season Church Island Live (& Silent) Auction gets bigger and more successful every year. Art, antiques, specialty items and even a dinner will be on the auction block. Click here for details.

Stars Over Bay Lake:If you haven't already seen this on our Facebook page, click here to be awed.

Local Guy & Boat Achieve Success at the Whitefish Boat Rendezvous.Click here to see the guy, his boat and a short video.

2013 BLIA Scramble & Picnic ***This Saturday***It's not too late to sign up for the picnic (and maybe even golf). Don't miss this last really big BLIA event of the summer. Click here for more information.

Lakes Area Music Festival *** This Saturday***Click here to learn more about this opportunity to enjoy music, socializing and good food on the shores of Bay Lake.

Runtilla 2013 Photos!Click here to see 303 pictures of this year's great race!

The Star Spangled Banner On Bay Lake:Click here to see Josh & Emily Elmer (grandchildren of BayLakers Merritt & Betty Marquardt) playing the Star Spangled Banner during the 4th of July event off Church Island. This winter they have an engagement at the Rose Bowl! Click here to learn more about the Rosemount High School Marching Band.

Amazing Race *** This Saturday ***Click here to open the registration form. Click here to see last year's teams.

Reggae At Ruttger's:Click here to see what you missed..........and then make plans for 2014.

Let's Play Bridge - *** This Thursday***Click here to open the registration form for the first "Let's Play Bridge" benefit for the Bay Lake Camp Scholarship Fund.

Runtilla - *** This Saturday ***Click here to open the registration form. Click here to see pictures from 2012.

EWM Treatment is Underway:
Authorization forms for 2013-17 were mailed this winter. Did you sign and return yours? Unless it's on file, treatment will go to other priority areas. Click here for more information or to get an authorization form.

Special Church Island Service
*** This Sunday***Direct from Crosby, Churchyard Grass is always a hit. Click here for details.

Buffer Zones 101:
Summer is coming slowly but it's never too late to start protecting our lake and your shoreline. This is a repeat but click here for a reminder of one way to enhance and protect your property.

What All BayLakers Need To Know:Click here before putting your boat in the water.

Cheap & Effective Deer Repellant (Revised):Click here to see the formula and dramatic results. Click here to order House Of Tsang Mongolian Fire Oil from Hormel. Click here to see more (visitor suggested) solutions (including two commercial products).

The Winter That Wouldn't Quit:
On my. Click here to see interesting maps and charts and click here to see pictures.

WOW! Late Ice Out Drives Record Traffic on BayLake.org:Click here to see the charts.

Ice Out Winner:
Congratulations Nancy Bunger! Her guess of May 2nd took strong conviction because it would have been a near record (even though it ended up being 9 days too early). Click here to learn more.

2012

First the Good News, but then the Bad News:Click here to see the 2012 Annual Meeting Recap.

New Year’s Day ServiceClick here to see pictures from a cold but worthwhile service on Church Island.

2012 BLIA Holiday Party
It's hard to beat a gathering of Bay Lake friends and neighbors in the cozy atmosphere of Ruttger's Lodge. Fortunately it was held the day before the storm. Click here to see the pictures.

End of Season Church Island Service & Gathering Is A Huge Success:Click here to see the pictures and read about the event.

Kelsey Peterson Fundraiser:Click here to read about the September 29th fundraiser at Lonesome Pine.

It Couldn't Have Been Any Better: Click here to see the 2012 Golf Scramble & Picnic recap.

Interesting BayLake.org Activity Stats:
Oh my...our little community website had nearly 50,000 hits in the last three weeks of August 2011. Click here to view an interesting and easy to read graphic about BayLake.org activity.

New & Improved "End Of Season" Event:
Come help Church Island celebrate another successful season. Enjoy pie, ice cream, hot dogs and Bay Lake camaraderie. Click here to see more about the event. Click here to see the flier about the new auctions.

3rd Annual "Big Swim":Click here to see pictures of this wonderful event.

BayLaker Injured:
Please click here to read about a BayLaker who needs help.

Amazing Race Is An Amazing Success!
The first (annual...we hope) Amazing Race was a huge success. Click here to see the teams. Then start forming teams for next year.

*****HIGH WATER ALERT CONTINUES**********Boaters are responsible for their wake. Please remember that even wakes that are created in the middle of a bay eventually hit the shore. Click here to read more and see pictures.

Neighborhood Gatherings Strengthen The Community:Click here to see the 2012 Brighton Point Party.

Church Island Events:Click here to see what's coming to Church Island in July.

Invasives Threaten Our Trees (Too):Click here to read an important letter from the Plan Protection Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Yuk......They're Back:
We've heard two worm reports this week. The first was regarding Forest Tent Caterpillars. Click here to see recent informative articles on the DNR website (including "forest tent caterpillars: good, bad or just ugly?"). Also, according to a news report, the DNR says that some sort of "cut leaf" worm is moving north. Isn't nature great?

The BLIA Tree & Plant Giveaway is this Saturday, May 26, from 10-12 AM at Lonesome Pine. The trees and plants are free to BLIA members. Click here for pictures.

Our High Water Level Is Now Serious:
We're used to high water in the spring, but record levels during primetime creates a multitude of problems. Some are a nuisance. Others involve long term damage. We can't control the rainfall but we can be good neighbors. Please click here to read more.

Steve Gamble Returns to Church Island:
Long time friend of Bay Lake, Steve Gamble, will conduct the July 31st service on Church Island. To see more, click here.

Churchyard Grass Plays Church Island:
Don't miss this special Church Island Service on July 10th. To read the details, click here.

BLIA Holiday Party 2011 - WOW:
It couldn't have been any better. What a wonderful community! To see pictures, click here. Then put it on your calendar for next year.

Incredible Christmas Lighting:
Bay Lake is home to a wonderful display of Christmas lighting that was recently reported in the Brainerd Dispatch. Click here to read the article and see the video. Then make time to view the display at the home of Louie & Maridee Smilich in Knieff's Shore Acres. Our community is indebted to Louie & Maridee for their work, dedication and creativity. THANKS! You make Bay Lake a community.

"Fall Beauty" Pictures:
To see Bay Lake dressed up in her finest fall colors, click here.

BLIA Christmas Party 2010:
In spite of Mother Nature, the 2010 BLIA Christmas Party was a wonderful success. Great food , a cozy setting and good friends. What could be better? To see the Event Article, click here. To see all of the pictures, click here.